2019 Stakes Day
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 09: Damien Oliver rides Banquo to win race 3 the World Horse Racing Springtime Stakes during 2019 Stakes Day at Flemington Racecourse on November 09, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

Almond Eye has walked off into the sunset of retirement off the back of her second Japan Cup win.

The five-year-old mare won her ninth Grade/Group 1 race on turf, the most by a Japanese-trained horse, and ended the unbeaten records of three-year-old rivals Contrail and Daring Tact.

Sunday's race was nothing short of eventful, imported runner Way To Paris forced the start back by five minutes as dozens of barrier attendants finally managed to get the cheeky grey into its gate.

Kiseki then jumped out and led the field for at the first turn, that lead continued to grow right up to the final turn.

Kiseki was 12 lengths in front at one stage and threatened to ruin the farewell party, in a thrilling conclusion Almond Eye stormed past the fatiguing Kiseki at the 150 metre mark and then out lasted Contrail and Daring Tact to claim a fairytale victory.

Almond Eye was well supported in the market leading into the race paying $2.80 on Sportsbet at the jump.